'Dexter' Season 8 to Premiere in June 2013: Will It Be the Series' Last?

As much as we love our yearly does of Showtime's 'Dexter,' the wait time in between seasons can be torturous given the shocking cliffhangers doled out each year. Thankfully, 'Dexter' fans will be excited to learn that Showtime has decided to premiere 'Dexter's likely final year early, debuting in June 2013! So why the big change? Find out why 'Dexter' fans will be seeing season 8 early inside!

'Dexter' fans are in for a special treat in what might be the Showtime drama's final year, as the network has announced its plans to premiere season 8 on Sunday, June 30 as opposed to its usual September air-date. The network plans to use 'Dexter's likely final year to help launch its new drama 'Ray Donovan.' By the same token 'Homeland' will remain in its fall slot as with its first two seasons, paired with fellow freshman drama 'Masters of Sex.'

Starring Michael Sheen (‘Twilight‘) and Lizzy Caplan (‘Party Down’), ‘Masters of Sex’ follows famous real-life 1960s human sexuality research pioneers William Masters and Virginia Johnson following the duo’s unconventional lives moving from a St. Louis teaching hospital to Johnny Carson and the cover of Time Magazine. The series is adapted from Thomas Maier’s book ‘Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How To Love.’

‘Ray Donovan’ stars Liev Schrieber in his first regular TV role as a contemporary Los Angeles “trouble shooter” and “fixer” working for the city’s elite. The series’ all-star cast includes Jon Voight as the ex-con Donovan clan patriarch and Elliot Gould as Ray’s long-time client and mentor, along with Eddie Marsan and Dash Mihok, who will play Ray’s brothers, and Paula Malcomson (‘The Hunger Games‘) in the role of Ray’s wife.

As for whether or not an eighth season of 'Dexter' would be the last, as most have speculated, Showtime boss David Nevins says:

I’m not making any announcements today about when Dexter will end. I will clarify that before Dexter goes on the air. There’s a clear end game in place but I can’t talk about it just yet.

The decision is ultimately a creative decision...Dexter is to Showtime what Batman is to Warner Bros. I want to take care of it.

Well, what say you? Do you think 'Dexter's early season 8 premiere is a sure sign of the final year? Will you check out either 'Ray Donovan' or 'Masters of Sex?' Tell us what you want from 'Dexter season 8, and what you think of Showtime's shake-up in the comments!